This Time Of the Year

For countless students, this time of the year signals vacation or near-vacation from school. Many of these students look forward to graduations. This time of year is normally an exciting time of the year for so many students and a time to celebrate. Many teachers, educators and other staff members may welcome this time of the year, depending on their circumstances.

For countless workers, unless they are among those who have to work holidays, this is a time of the year to take off, to escape that "old grind" for a few days and to get together with families and/or friends. Often, they use this time to mark this time of the year with barbeques, parties, social and family get-togethers and other festive occasions. They celebrate.

For so many businesses and retail stores, this time of year marks a choice time to cash in, putting up holiday sales and bring in more cash flow. They "lick their chops" at this time of the year, with the $$$ in front of their eyes. For many customers with $$$ to spend, this is a time to take advantage of shopping sprees and getting deals. What an opportunity this time of this year is for these parties!

For countless parents who are raising children, this time of the year marks having their children at home much, often much more. (Yes, many do send their children to summer camp or other such activities). Or soon that will happen as school gets out for the school year. Many parents may honestly not be excited about this, depending on their circumstances.

For countless active military, veterans, and for the families of soldiers and veterans, this time of the year is set aside the focus on remembering the fact that the price of freedom is not free. As the saying goes, about veterans: "All gave some, but some gave all." This time of the year is, of course, very special and meaningful for all of those in the world of the military. It is THEIR time. I know that many others, like law enforcement, firefighters and others identified as heroes who have "served their country" also see special meaning for themselves at this time of year.

For many children from low-income families, who face hunger and whose main source of nourishment comes from reduced-cost or free lunches, this time of the year heralds when they will be out of school (or out already) and face more hunger. The end of the school year often cuts them off from any source of regular nourishment. They are their families may not celebrate or look forward to this time of year.

For many low-income families and individuals, this time of the year marks more of what is called "food insecurity" as this weekend marks the beginning of summer. And summer means that food pantries and many nonprofits that these low-income parties count on just to survive, get fewer donations because more $$$ are spent on vacations and summer events. Also, so many of these parties cannot afford the festivities of this holiday. It is often just another day.

For countless individuals who are unemployed or whose life circumstances force them to use benefits, this time of the year marks just another weekend. It is merely a reminder that others are gainfully employed and that others do not have to use benefits and have "normal lives." With their fixed incomes or uncertain resources, they cannot afford holiday festivities. What is all the fuss about? they may be thinking.

For so many people who have, especially in these past 12 months, lost a loved one to any natural or unnatural cause, this time of the year is bittersweet. They may mark it with festivities but their celebrations will be hampered by an empty chair around their tables and the first Memorial Day without their loved ones. For those who have lost a loved one to murder, suicide, disappearances, or other unnatural causes at any time, it is usually much worse.

For those who exist on the fringes of society, like the homeless and others who do not venture out in society because of being in settings like hospitals, nursing homes, mental wards, the like, and certainly prison, this time of the year is often just another day. With their often stretched-out sense of time or alternate or no routines, they may not be aware of it or hardly so. They are in no position to observe it.

So whatever this Memorial Day weekend means to you, my best wishes to all on this weekend. If you can, be safe and enjoy it. If you know a veteran, thank him or her. If you who are reading this are a veteran, I thank you.